Hot Toddy Tea Recipe – A Soothing Classic

As the weather turns colder, it can be tough to avoid catching a cold or dealing with a sore throat, even if you’re diligent about taking vitamins.

Recently, my fiancé wasn’t feeling his best, and since he prefers to avoid medications, I wanted to make him something that would help him feel better naturally. The first thing that came to mind was a soothing drink, perfect for chilly or rainy days, and commonly used as a home remedy for colds and flu. It can help ease a sore throat, reduce congestion, and promote restful sleep.

That’s when I came up with this Hot Toddy Tea recipe!

Once I handed him the steaming mug, he took a sip, and I could see the immediate relief on his face. By the end of the day, he wasn’t just feeling better physically, but his mood had brightened as well.

It wasn’t just the ingredients; it was the comfort and care that came with it. And from that day forward, the Hot Toddy Tea became a go-to remedy in our home whenever the weather turned cold and one of us started feeling under the weather.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Soothing for colds: This Hot Toddy tea is a natural remedy that can help relieve cold symptoms like a sore throat, congestion, and fatigue.
• Comforting warmth: The combination of tea, honey, lemon, and a hint of whiskey or brandy creates a drink that’s perfect for warming up on cold, rainy days.
• Relaxing and calming: The touch of alcohol and the warmth of the tea can help you unwind, making it a great option for a cozy night in.
• Boosts immunity: With the vitamin C from lemon and the antibacterial properties of honey, it helps give your immune system a gentle boost.
• Aromatic and flavorful: The cinnamon, lemon, and tea create a delightful aroma and rich taste that’s satisfying and soothing to the senses.
• Versatile: Whether you prefer Scotch, brandy, or rum, or even want to skip the alcohol, the Hot Toddy is easily adaptable to your preferences, making it a drink everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients

When making a Hot Toddy, the choice of ingredients plays a key role in both the flavor and the benefits of the drink.

Starting with the tea, a strong black tea like Irish Breakfast is perfect because it has a bold, robust flavor that stands up well to the other ingredients. Its natural tannins add depth to the drink, making it more satisfying, especially on a cold day. The tea also provides a mild caffeine boost, which can help if you’re feeling sluggish from a cold.

Honey is a must for sweetness and its soothing properties. It’s known for its natural antibacterial qualities, which can help ease a sore throat. Choosing a good-quality honey is important—something raw or organic if possible—since it’s less processed and retains more of its natural benefits.

Lemon juice adds brightness and a refreshing tang to balance the sweetness of the honey. It’s also packed with vitamin C, which is essential when you’re fighting off a cold or flu. Freshly squeezed lemon is best, as it has a more vibrant flavor than bottled lemon juice.

For the liquor, you can choose from Scotch, brandy, or rum. Each will bring its own character to the drink. Scotch lends a smoky warmth, brandy adds a mellow, rich sweetness, while rum offers a more tropical, caramel-like note. Whichever you choose, the alcohol helps you relax and provides a warming sensation that can be especially comforting when you’re feeling under the weather.

The cinnamon stick, while optional, adds a gentle spice that complements the other flavors perfectly. It also gives the drink a cozy aroma, enhancing the overall experience.

Finally, a lemon slice for garnish adds a decorative touch and a bit of extra citrus fragrance. Each ingredient works together to create a warm, comforting drink that’s both flavorful and soothing.

Ingredients for making a Hot Toddy Tea:

• 1 cup freshly brewed Irish Breakfast tea (or other strong black tea)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 shot (1-2 oz) Scotch, brandy, or rum (adjust to taste)
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional, for stirring and flavor)
• A lemon slice (optional, for garnish)

How To Make a Hot Toddy Tea

Instructions for making a Hot Toddy Tea: 

1. Brew the tea: Start by brewing a strong cup of Irish Breakfast tea (or any strong black tea) and set it aside.
2. Add honey: Stir in the honey while the tea is still hot, letting it dissolve fully. This adds sweetness and soothes a sore throat.
3. Squeeze in lemon juice: Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, giving the drink a zesty burst of flavor and a dose of vitamin C.
4. Add Scotch, brandy, or rum: Pour in your choice of liquor—whether Scotch, brandy, or rum. This gives the Hot Toddy its signature warming kick.
5. Stir with cinnamon stick: If you’re using a cinnamon stick, stir the drink with it for a subtle hint of spice and aroma.
6. Garnish and serve: Add a lemon slice for garnish, and your Hot Toddy is ready! Sip it slowly, savoring the warmth and comfort.

Recommendations & Alternatives

• Use ginger: Add a few slices of fresh ginger for an extra spicy kick and added anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Non-alcoholic version: Skip the liquor and replace it with a splash of apple cider or extra lemon juice for a kid-friendly or alcohol-free option.
• Add spices: Try cloves or star anise for more complexity and a fragrant, festive touch..
• Try Lapsang Souchong tea: This smoky black tea pairs perfectly with whiskey, enhancing the warmth and depth of the drink.
• Spiced rum variation: Use spiced rum instead of plain rum or whiskey to add layers of cinnamon, vanilla, and clove flavors.
• Infuse the whiskey: Steep your whiskey with dried herbs like rosemary or lavender for an hour before adding it to the tea, giving the Hot Toddy a herbal, aromatic depth.